Michael Phelps is nearing the end of his six-month suspension for a drunken driving offense. Could he also be nearing a return to the world championships?
According to ESPN, Phelps is undergoing informal discussion with USA Swimming about competing in the event in Russia this summer. Phelps, 29, was suspended through April 6 after he was charged with driving under the influence last September. He also agreed that he would not compete for the American team at the world championships as part of the penalty.
But the 18-time Olympics gold medalist could be getting a reprieve from that portion of the penalty.
USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus told ESPN.com that he has had preliminary conversations about possible reinstatement with the swimmer.
"It's complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen," Wielgus told ESPN. "There's a pathway for things to be reconsidered -- or considered."
He added, though, that a final decision on reinstatement would be reviewed by national team director Frank Busch and the USA Swimming executive committee. Wielgus would not make the decision on Phelps' potential return.
USA Swimming spokesman Scott Leightman told ESPN that "it's premature to discuss any specifics about next steps."
